Looking for a new knife with a liner lock or a frame lock and a deep carry pocket clip, that’s easy to open and close? Make sure you check out some of the following best pocket knife producers. Whatever your tastes are in a folding knife, you’ll find something to suit you from one of the manufacturers below.

Gerber

Gerber Gear was founded in 1939 in Portland, Oregon, where it remains to this day. It is known for its uncommonly affordable gear at uncommonly impressive prices. Gerber is as well known for its fixed blades and other tools as it is for pocket knives; top picks include the Gerber Paraframe, the Gerber Flatiron, and the Gerber Remix, but there are plenty more where in addition to those.

Opinel

Opinel knives are produced in Chambery, France, and the company is overwhelmingly known for its folding knives with ring-lock collars and hard wooden handles. The company produces a few other tools like saws in addition to pocket knives, but staples are the Opinel No. 6 and Opinel No. 8, specifically the models in carbon.

Buck

Buck Knife Company, founded in 1902, is one of the most iconic knife companies in the industry. Many of their models, like the Buck 110 Folding Hunter and the Buck 119 Special, have influenced knife design heavily in other manufacturers and continue to do so to this day. Many of their knives use budget materials, like their staple 420HC stainless steel, but many of their designs are produced in America and exhibit exemplary quality.

Benchmade

Benchmade only hit the scene in 1979, but they were quick to get into the market for premium tools and were quickly recognized as one of the best pocket knife brands in the industry. Top Benchmade picks include the Benchmade Bugout, the Griptilian, the Grizzly, and the 940.

Case

Case, formally W.R. Case 7 Sons Cutlery Company, is as American as apple pie. Though today they are owned by Zippo, Case has been producing pocket candy for over 100 years. Predominantly, they produce pocket knives in traditional patterns such as Stockman, Canoe, and Trapper knives, and are known for their extensive lines of premium handle materials like horn, mother of pearl, and jigged bone, which are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Rough Ryder

Case fans should not overlook Rough Ryder. Some knife collectors prefer Case because they are still made in America, but Rough Ryder deserves some credit. Many of them mimic the traditional pocket knife patterns that Case is going after, the fit and finish of RR knives is without comparison, and they also offer a wide range of color handle scales in premium materials.

CRKT

Columbia River Knife and Tool is well known for its wide range of pocket knives in addition to other tools like fixed blades, hatchets, and tomahawks. Like Gerber, it is also headquartered in America’s Knife-Mecca, Oregon. Some of the best pocket knife models from CRKT include the Pilar, Fossil, Provoke, and Squid.

CJRB

Do not let the similarity in the name to CRKT fool you. This is not a knock off and if anything CJRB has been increasing in popularity for its dependable, quality materials and high standards. Known for their unique designs, excellent fit and finish, and affordable but tough steels (like AR-RPM9) CJRB knives have a loyal fan base that is growing. Top picks include the Maileah, Feldspar and Taiga, but there are countless others.

Cold Steel

Cold Steel is another of the best pocket knife brands out there, but public opinion is divided. Some Cold Steel fans are loyal users, and others dismiss the brand as a gimmick, a group of “mall-ninjas” out for attention. Their marketing may be outrageous, but they produce pocket knives of great quality that are nearly bombproof. Top picks include the 1911, the Recon 1, and the AD-10 - but there are many more.

WE Knife Company

WE Knife Company is also a newcomer on this list, and despite the fact that all of their knives are made in China, they are known for their use of premium quality materials and steels, like M390. Many of their knives also feature surprisingly innovative designs. Some highlights from their collection include the Practic, Roxi, Malice, and Deacon.

Spyderco

Spydero has a loyal fanbase and its knives can usually be easily identified by their hump-backed design and prominent “Spyder holes” that take the place of thumb studs. Even their fixed blades, like their kitchen knives and the Bow River, have them. Spyderco has been improving knife lock technology, uses premium steels and indestructible handle materials, like G10 handles and Micarta. Some of the best pocket knife lines from Spyderco that have garnered near-universal acclaim are the Delica, Tenacious and Paramilitary.

Kershaw

Many fans of Kershaw note the knives’ ergonomics, ease of use, and affordability. Kershaw was also the first to introduce SpeedSafe Assisted Opening as well as Composite Blade Technology, which improve their handling and durability. Some of the best Kershaw knives for sale today include the Kershaw Leek, Blur, Cryo, and Shuffle.

Kizer

Kizer Knives are also made in China, like WE Knife Company’s knives, and also like them, exhibit precision workmanship and high quality. Fit and finish of these knives are completed by hand, so their end-aesthetic is one of a high-end knife. Top Kizer blades include the Basalt, Fire Ant, Clutch and Lieb.

Zero Tolerance

Zero Tolerance started out as an answer for the need for hard-used, dependable, ergonomic knives for law enforcement professionals, first responders, and military personnel. Since then, they have grown to become one of the most highly respected manufacturers in the industry, with top-quality materials, innovative designs, and outstanding fit and finish. Top ZT knives include

Boker

Boker is also known as the “Tree Brand” and is one of the oldest manufacturers in the industry. Though their bread-and-butter is their traditional knives, Boker has produced everything from straight razors to tactical designs. Some of Boker’s best pocket knife models include the Boker Plus F3, The Kwaiken, the Credit Card Knife, and the Kihon Auto.

Is your favorite pocket knife manufacturer not on this list? We carry hundreds, and we had to draw the line somewhere. If you’re looking for a new pocket knife for everyday carry (EDC) with a stainless steel blade that is a marvel of both corrosion resistance and edge retention, and a reliable locking mechanism, just get in touch with us. We carry stock of most of the best pocket knife manufacturers, so if you don’t see your item of interest listed, contact us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com and we’ll see if we can find that new EDC knife for you.